Yes, the topic of friendship in Formula One has tired everyone, even myself. But on the other hand, it's not us narrators who insist on the matter, it's the protagonists – obviously Lando Norris and Max Verstappen – to rock the brotherhood every chance they get. We humble chroniclers of the things of motorsports we are forced to account for it even if orchitis takes over.
Air travel arm in arm, river races on simulators, messages of affection that exude honey, understandings off the track and chivalrous niceties during the race. Remember Silverstone 2023? No? Strange. Lando, seeing the attacking RB19 get big in the rear-view mirrors, moves and gives the go-ahead without even trying to defend himself from Max's attack.
The Red Bull will remain in the field of vision of the McLaren driver for a long time and he will be satisfied with second place which he however defends with his teeth when he has to keep Hamilton behind him with softer and fresher tires than his.
![Lando Norris](https://www.formulacritica.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lando-1-jpg.webp)
Norris-Verstappen: did the McLaren driver have the wrong strategy?
Lando's surrender was as calculated as it was stupid. A signal offered to a cannibal that others have had in this 2024 with a Norris who was too yielding when Hasselt's friend was in the duel. The one who, when the opportunity arises, behaves like Brutus who stabs you, sportingly speaking, in the back.
Maybe, when he had the chance, Norris could have fought more vehemently. Maybe, now, Max wouldn't take liberties not granted by the regulations but protected by the soft attitudes of his less than brilliant friend who thought he was getting respect on the track (and perhaps some advantages) from someone who doesn't look anyone in the face. Naive.
Verstappen operates in a context that protects him even when he should express criticism. After the Spielberg events, Horner, Marko and Lambiase, at different times, were at pains to point out how the judge had been ogreous and mean towards the Dutchman. No one gave him a damn good ear.
In this humus Max's competitive malice germinates and he exploits his "friends" for his own purposes. Charitable attitudes do not reside in the heart of the piranha Verstappen: Lando should have understood this years ago. Now he falls from the pear tree, in disbelief at the treatment that his "steering wheel brother" has given him. Life is a war Lando, nothing but laughter and relationships that turn out to be plastic.
![Max Verstappen](https://www.formulacritica.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/max-3-jpg.webp)
Already next weekend we will understand if Norris has activated it switch mental that transforms him from a tame apartment kitten into an angry hyena who craves blood and revenge. Sporty, of course. Max has a huge points advantage and perhaps his car is still the one to beat (in Spielberg the superiority of the RB20 was never in question).
But, under pressure, he can make mistakes. If your best friend stops being such a friend, then you can imagine annoying him a bit. If the relationship strengthens then Lando will be overwhelmed again. If so, don't complain about it.
Crediti foto: McLaren